Ahh Medellin, the city of eternal spring! We so very much enjoyed our time here. I have an AM and PM activity each day – our kids go to bed early, so I didn’t add in any night time activities, but if your kids are a bit older and you want to schedule something in the evenings after dinner, consider going to watch a salsa dance or going to watch one of the soccer matches.

Day 1 in Medellin

AM Download an audio guide and walk around El Centro (the historic downtown) to see the sights. You can also take a free walking tour, but most kids won’t last the 3 hours.

PM Depending on your kids ages, you can opt to take them to Parque Explora (a kids science museum with aquarium and outdoor park within it) OR go to play in the fountains at the Barefoot Park (Parque Pies Descalozos). The water museum in right behind the fountains so you could do that too if you wanted.

Day 2 in Medellin

AM Head to San Felix to go Paragliding. Kids 5 and older are allowed to participate; younger kids will have to wait with mom or dad while the other parent watches and then you can switch. Flying is about 15 minutes per person, so kids will only have to wait 30 minutes in total, and they are occupied watching all the parachutes.

PM Ride the escalators in Comuna 13 which was once ran by the cartel, but is now a colorful graffiti filled neighborhood. There is security everywhere and it is no longer unsafe. We chose to walk it ourselves as our kids would not have lasted on a 3 hour graffiti tour. If your aren’t going to take the tour, I would recommend reading up on Comuna 13 before you go.

Day 3 in Medellin

AM Take the metrocable up to Parque Arvi and spend the day adventuring. This nature center has hiking, ziplining, lagoons, horseback riding, paddle boating and more. If you are going with your kids, Comfama (section 5) is where you will want to go.

PM Climb Cerro Nutibara to see Pueblito Paisa; a replica of a turn of the century town. Enjoy an ice cream and beautiful sunset on the hill.

Something doesn’t interest you, or have more time? Here are some more ideas:

Add on Activities in Medellin

• Day trip to Barbosa where you’ll find  streams, waterfalls, natural swimming pools, hiking, horseback riding and Parque de las aguas which is a big waterpark
• Day trip to Guatape (2hrs away) – There is a massive rock to climb for views, and pretty lakes to jet ski around
• Take a salsa lesson
• Head to Museo del Agua (free and geared towards kids) to learn all about water
• Relax in one of the many other parks around the city
  • Parque del Rio (urban park)
  • Cerro el Valador
  • Cerro de Las Tres Cruces
  • Cerro Pan de Azucar
• If you happen to be in Medellin on a Sunday, go to Avenida Poblado between 7am and 1pm as the street becomes a pedestrian way reserved for what they call “Ciclovia” which encourages fitness and meetups for residents
• If you’re there on the final Friday of the month, the Museum of Modern Art is free from 6pm-10pm
• Enjoy a soccer match if one of the teams happens to be playing during your stay